England managing director Rob Key insists that Test captain Ben Stokes is “completely committed” to playing for his country despite turning down a three-year contract.
Stokes has instead signed a one-year central contract extension, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revising its approach as they look to guarantee the availability of star names in the face of big-money franchise cricket offers.
The likes of Harry Brook, Joe Root and Mark Wood are the only players to be given three-year central contracts as part of a new multi-year system.
Fast-bowler Jofra Archer, despite his injury issues, and spinner Adil Rashid, 35, are among those on two-year deals, which also includes limited-overs captain Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow.
Batter Dawid Malan, who missed out on a full deal last year, was given a one-year contract off the back of his red-hot form in recent months, while veteran bowler James Anderson was also handed a one-year deal.
But Stokes turning down a longer-term contract is an interesting call with Key admitting the 32-year-old is looking to secure a better deal next year.
“By no means is it Ben Stokes saying, 'I don't want to play for England',” Key told BBC Sport.
“All he talks about is being completely committed to playing for England and also captaining that Test team – planning for India, planning for the Ashes, planning for West Indies and Sri Lanka next summer.
“I don't think it has crossed his mind not playing for England for the next four, five, six years.
“Ben, quite rightly, feels when the next memorandum of understanding starts and the contract cycle changes he will be in a stronger position. Other players have gone for that security.”
All-rounder Stokes is currently out in India for the 50-over World Cup after coming out of one-day international retirement to play in the tournament solely as a batter.
But he has managed to play just one game so far due to injury – where he made only five runs as England fell to a record-breaking defeat against South Africa – as the reigning champions look unlikely to reach the semi-finals after losing four out of five matches so far.
Brook, 24, is among seven players to have been given a central contract for the first time along with Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue – who have all got two-year contracts.
“The system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while recognising performances in the preceding year,” the ECB said in a statement.
“Multi-year contracts have been awarded for the first time since central contracts were established in 2000.
“The ECB has worked closely with the Professional Cricketers' Association and Team England Player Partnership on behalf of the players to reach an outcome for all parties.”
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm
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Transmission: CVT auto
Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km
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Price: from Dh195,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
more from Janine di Giovanni
Rashid & Rajab
Director: Mohammed Saeed Harib
Stars: Shadi Alfons, Marwan Abdullah, Doaa Mostafa Ragab
Two stars out of five
The biog
Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
OPTA'S PREDICTED TABLE
1. Liverpool 101 points
2. Manchester City 80
3. Leicester 67
4. Chelsea 63
5. Manchester United 61
6. Tottenham 58
7. Wolves 56
8. Arsenal 56
9. Sheffield United 55
10. Everton 50
11. Burnley 49
12. Crystal Palace 49
13. Newcastle 46
14. Southampton 44
15. West Ham 39
16. Brighton 37
17. Watford 36
18. Bournemouth 36
19. Aston Villa 32
20. Norwich City 29
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MEFCC information
Tickets range from Dh110 for an advance single-day pass to Dh300 for a weekend pass at the door. VIP tickets have sold out. Visit www.mefcc.com to purchase tickets in advance.
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
RACE CARD
4pm Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
4.35pm Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m
5.10pm Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m
5.45pm Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m
6.20pm Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m
6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m
7.30pm Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
